Valters Frīdenbergs

Valters Frīdenbergs (26 October 1987 – 17 October 2018) was a Latvian singer, musician, and TV presenter. He is best known internationally for representing Latvia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2005 as part of the duo Valters and Kaža (Walters & Kazha). Their song “The War Is Not Over” earned fifth place in the final, one of Latvia’s best Eurovision results. Valters Frīdenbergs also had a successful music career in Latvia and became a popular television host.

Early Life and Education

Valters Frīdenbergs was born in 1987 in Riga, Latvia. He showed an early passion for music. He attended local schools in Riga, including a music school, where he nurtured his singing talent. As a child, he performed in the popular children’s vocal group Dzeguzīte, which helped him gain confidence on stage. After high school, Valters went on to study at the University of Latvia. His early exposure to music and performance laid the foundation for his future career.

Music Career

Frīdenbergs launched his professional music career in his teenage years. He first gained wider recognition as a member of the Latvian pop-rock band Putnu Balle, with which he released two albums. In 2005, Valters teamed up with singer Kārlis Būmeisters to form the duo Valters un Kaža (known internationally as Walters & Kazha). That year, they achieved international fame by representing Latvia in the Eurovision Song Contest with the ballad “The War Is Not Over”. The duo’s performance charmed audiences across Europe. After Eurovision, Valters continued to produce music and perform. In 2009, he entered Latvia’s national song competition Eirodziesma with a solo song called “For a Better Tomorrow,” though he did not qualify for the final. In 2011, he joined the well-known rock band Tumsa as the lead vocalist, replacing the late Mārtiņš Freimanis. Throughout his career, Valters Frīdenbergs remained an active figure in the Latvian music scene, appearing in concerts and collaborating with various artists.

Eurovision Participation

Valters Frīdenbergs’s journey with Eurovision began in 2005. As part of Walters & Kazha, he represented Latvia at Eurovision 2005 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Their song “The War Is Not Over” was a gentle ballad about hope, and it earned fifth place in the grand final. Their performance was the first one ever in Eurovision containing sign language. This strong result made Valters a familiar name among Eurovision fans. In 2009, Valters attempted to return to the Eurovision stage by competing in Eirodziesma (Latvia’s national selection) with “For a Better Tomorrow,” but he did not advance to the Eurovision contest. However, he remained involved in Eurovision in other ways. From 2011 onward, Valters Frīdenbergs became a commentator for the Eurovision Song Contest on Latvian television, providing live commentary and insights for viewers at home. He even served as Latvia’s spokesperson for Eurovision in 2012, announcing the Latvian jury votes during the live broadcast. His ongoing participation in Eurovision events kept him connected with the fan community and the contest he loved.

TV and Media Career

In addition to music, Valters Frīdenbergs found success in television. Starting in 2012, he co-hosted a popular Latvian TV quiz show for students called “Gudrs, vēl gudrāks” (which translates to “Smart, Even Smarter”). He presented this educational game show on LTV (Latvian Television) alongside co-host Kaspars Ozoliņš. The program was very well received, and Valters became a familiar face on national TV. His friendly and energetic hosting style made the show engaging for young viewers. In 2018, he was honored with an award for the Best TV Presenter on LTV, recognizing his work on the show. Besides this quiz show, Valters Frīdenbergs also hosted and appeared in other music-related TV programs and events. He was known for his charisma in front of the camera and his ability to connect with audiences, both as a host and a performer.

Other Achievements and Contributions

Furthermore, Valters Frīdenbergs earned respect and affection from the public through his personal strength and contributions. In 2016, he was diagnosed with cancer and bravely fought the illness for two years. His struggle inspired a wave of support from fans and colleagues. A public fundraising campaign in 2017 raised over €100,000 to help Valters receive specialized treatment in Germany. This large support demonstrated his impact on the Latvian community. Unfortunately, after a long battle, Valters Frīdenbergs passed away on 17 October 2018 at the age of 30. He is remembered as a talented Latvian singer who brought his country pride on the Eurovision stage and as a beloved TV personality who inspired many young fans. His contributions to Latvian music and television continue to be celebrated by those who knew him and enjoyed his work.